The fourth episode of The Witcher Season 4 opens with Redania forging an alliance with Cintra, their combined forces successfully repelling the Nilfgaardian assault on the refugee camp. However, Vissegerd, the Cintran general, takes a drastic turn, arresting both Jaskier and Geralt, blaming the witcher for the fates of Calanthe and Ciri.
In the background, Radovid, love-sick and ineffectual, lingers at the war council, indulging in drink and lute-playing. Dijkstra's frustration mounts as Eva, Philippa's former lover and a mole within their ranks, hatches a plan. She dispatches Jaskier to Radovid's side while Geralt is sent to Dijkstra's.
Meanwhile, Istredd has unlocked a secret from the book—Ciri's bloodline grants her the ability to create portals through time and access to other worlds or Spheres. One can wield her power by draining her life force. Fringilla is caught eavesdropping, and Vilgefortz swiftly dispatches her along with Istredd.
Yen yearns for the apprentices to fight, but Rita stops her. The mages who have refused to ally with Vilgefortz have met a gruesome fate. In a desperate bid, Triss enlists the aid of the witchers Vesemir, Coen, and Lambert. Though they shy away from politics, they agree to help Yen in her plan to lure and slay Vilgefortz.
Near the camp, Cahir assists Milva as she attempts to save her horse. She is intrigued by him and he insists that his destiny lies with Geralt and Ciri. She believes him and they share a fleeting moment before awkwardness sets in.
Wanted posters of the Rats are ubiquitous. Kayleigh warns the Rats, wary after their narrow escape from Leo at Rocayne.
To disguise Ciri, Mistle trims her hair and gives her a makeover that makes her feel like her true self. They go on a date but are interrupted by an infected greylock. Mistle wants to flee but Ciri stands her ground, slaying the monster with resolve.
Returning to camp, Dijkstra subjects Geralt to a gruesome torture with a quill, relentless until Geralt screams in agony. But this is all part of a cunning plan. Radovid and Jaskier's joyous reunion is short-lived as Radovid, while not yearning for the throne, believes he can achieve it with Jaskier by his side. Jaskier, however, refuses to abandon Ciri, and upon hearing Geralt's cry of pain, he urges Radovid to stop the torture. Radovid attempts to bribe him into submission, offering to halt the torture if Jaskier stays by his side. Jaskier is appalled by his selfish and cowardly nature and says as much, which enrages Radovid, who promptly has Jaskier arrested again. Dijkstra's scheme to have Radovid snap out of his Jaskier-induced doldrums has succeeded.
Training the mages commences, with the witchers arming them with weapons and magic. None of them excel except for Francesca, who showcases her prowess by dueling Yen. Jaskier is tied up with Geralt, and they deduce Dijkstra's plan. Geralt feels hopeless, uncertain if he can save Ciri, surrounded by those who use and hurt him. Jaskier encourages him, and they agree to escape first. Similarly, Ciri feels that Yen and Geralt are better off without her, but Mistle, who knew a witcher and thus discovered Ciri's identity, loves her and won't let her be alone. Yen and Vesemir also share a heart-to-heart about home being where the heart is, with Vesemir believing in her to protect her family and deciding to help by killing Vilgefortz himself.
Surprisingly, Dijkstra is arrested by Eva, who sees through Radovid's games and exiles him. But Radovid is spurred by Jaskier's words and redoubles his efforts for the war. That night, Vissegerd attempts to kill Geralt and Jaskier, but Regis springs into action and saves them. He has crafted an elixir with Geralt's blood and sends them off with a foreboding farewell. Jaskier is confused until he freaks out when Geralt reveals the shocking truth that Regis is a vampire.
As they make their way out of camp, Milva, Percy, Zoltan, and Yarpen rescue them from the patrol guards. However, Nilfgaard ambushes the camp, igniting a fierce battle. Geralt's group is cornered, and he drinks the elixir to break through. He stumbles upon Cahir, who is helping them, but Geralt refuses to be reasoned with and tries to kill Cahir. Milva screams for him to stop just in time as Jaskier is injured. Geralt refuses to leave Jaskier behind and drags him out of the camp, determined to face whatever comes next together.
